St Benedict's Catholic School
Catchment Area, Reviews and Key Information

Pupils say that their school is a happy place where they feel safe and accepted. They know that their teachers look after them and provide them with the support they need. Pupils demonstrate very positive attitudes to their work. It is important for them to be the best they can be. They are also respectful, kind and compassionate towards each other, their teachers and visitors to the school. Older students are mature and self-assured, and support younger pupils in and out of the classroom. Pupils interact well with each other and with their teachers. They help each other in class. They listen carefully and appreciate others’ hard work. Instances of low-level disruption are very rare. Bullying hardly exists. Should it happen, it is dealt with swiftly. Pupils flourish as a result of the school’s powerful caring ethos. Pupils are open minded and confident. They embrace diversity, respect difference and understand other world religions. Pupils say, ‘It is a school where it is okay to be different.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Leaders provide an ambitious curriculum. Pupils learn a broad range of subjects. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and understand how pupils learn. They think carefully about the knowledge they want pupils to gain in each area of the curriculum. Learning is broken down into manageable small stages. Each stage of learning builds on what has come before. This enables pupils to acquire knowledge quickly. Leaders are aware of where the curriculum needs further development. They are acting effectively to improve these areas. In the sixth form, students confidently present their ideas. They discuss and debate, which helps refine their thinking and develop their knowledge. Sixth-form students view the world critically. They understand how important it is to use evidence to support their thinking. This will equip them well in the future.